As
kids Mikel Arteta and his friend, Xabi Alonso, often
played along the beaches and gutters of San Sebastián.
Arteta left for the FC Barcelona B squad at 15 years
of age while Alonso signed for Real Sociedad later.

Arteta joined Real Sociedad for €5.2 million
in 2004 with the idea of Arteta and Xabi Alonso playing
together. However, Alonso left for Liverpool and Arteta
failed to establish himself in the team.

Arteta has played for Spain at Under-16, Under-17,
Under-18 and Under-21.

With 100 fouls committed against him in the 2006-07
season he was the most fouled player in the Premier
League.